Mixed weather in the past 7 days with misty rain making viewing less appealing.

One, possibly two different Osprey being seen on the reserve, with the Ribble View Point and from the high points near the Lookout being the best spots. The bird does come into fish on Ribbleton Pool which would make for some great photographs if anyone has the patience to sit it out. The bird came in today at 9.20am but has been seen at times across the day.

As previously noted we are at the start of the main migration season. Currently most birds turning up on the reserve will have been British breeding birds. Good numbers of Willow Warbler are new in with 10+ seen yesterday along the hedgerows. Three Redstart including an adult male were seen from the Ribble View Point. A Tree Pipit dropped in and a Yellow Wagtail was seen moving west. A Spotted Flycatcher was seen on the 15th.

A few waders have been noted with 200+ Lapwing, 10+ Curlew (moving west), Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper.

Some big flocks of Goldfinch building up with 60+ birds feeding on seed heads.

A Bullfinch was near the Lookout on Friday. A group of 18 Mistle Thrush have been seen on the reserve.

Other sighting included two Hobby around Meadow lake, 5 Little Egret, 20+ Swallow and 40+ Sand Martin (feeding by the river) and 10 Tree Sparrow flew low south west. Kingfisher(s) regularly seen, mostly flying by. Barn Owl hunting early and late.

Also a report of Red Kite on the 17th and 4 Ruddy Shelduck types were seen very distantly flying south well up river.

A Purple Hairstreak butterfly was photographed in Boilton Wood on the 13th. Keep an eye out for this high canopy species which is associated with Oak.

If you are visiting the reserve and would like to know what's been seen recently and were, drop in to in focus at Lookout and we can point you in the right direction.